During my one-week stay in Cabarate, one of my hostel roommates had just completed a seven-month bicycle trip throughout Latin America. One night while playing cards in our shared room, there was a blackout. I turned on the flashlight from my phone and my roommate put on his headlights. While we had backup lights covered, one of the things I wish I had was a compiled list of good Dominican music to share at this moment.

In addition, the island holds such a good backpacking vibe that this is essential! Luckily you won’t have to experience this sad lack of tunes. Since returning home, I have created a playlist for all of you to share, along with some music history to educate your fellow travelers. Enjoy, and check out the playlists I have made for trips to Puerto Rico and Cuba as well!

Damaly Gonzalez is a traveler, Latino culture lover, yogi and mentor director. Born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn from Puerto Rican parents. Damaly, which means beautiful vision in Arabic, has been around the world, everywhere from Brazil to India. In the Summer of 2012, after deciding to quit her two jobs, she backpacked the Caribbean...